Dysphagia Difficulty Swallowing

Swallowing is a complex function involving the mouth, throat and esophagus.
The Speech Language Pathology Department at Hoag Hospital provides a comprehensive
approach to evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders caused by
stroke, and other neurologic disorders, cervical spine disease, head and
neck cancer, laryngectomy and weakness or damage to the muscles and nerves
used for swallowing.

Common complaints include:

Aspiration of solid food or liquids

Chronic choking, coughing, gagging or a sense of food “sticking”
in the throat

Dehydration

Malnutrition

Feeling of a lump in the throat

Recurrent episodes of pneumonia or bronchitis

Painful swallow

Initial assessment may include a Modified Barium Swallow Test which is
a videofluoroscopic x-ray assessment of the swallowing mechanism or Fiberoptic
Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). These exams enable the clinicians
to identify the disorder and help guide the appropriate treatment program.

The goal of the program is to keep patients eating by mouth or to return
them to eating by mouth whenever possible.

Treatment may include:

Identification of appropriate diet that specifies the thickness and consistency
of food and liquids than can be safely swallowed

Provision of recommendations for optimal swallowing safety

Development strategies including postural changes and other maneuvers to
enhance swallowing

Instruction in appropriate oral hygiene

Exercises for strengthening and improving coordination of the swallowing mechanism